Edgar Allan Poe statue slated for October unveiling in Boston

After years of fundraising efforts, a statue of the famed, Boston-born author will be installed in the city.

A pioneer of the mystery and horror genres, Edgar Allan Poe had a contentious relationship with Boston. He was critical of the city’s literary scene, and is more commonly associated with other East Coast cities like Baltimore and Richmond. However, local non-profits have sought to reclaim the macabre author for Boston. The Edgar Allen Poe Foundation of Boston hopes to do just that by unveiling a statue of Poe in October, according to Boston Magazine.

Boston is getting an Edgar Allan Poe statue installed on Boylston Street in October. We are such a cool city? pic.twitter.com/BLa3fYIPky

A $10,000 grant from the Lynch Foundation cemented the project's destiny. It also received money from the city of Boston through the Edward Ingersoll Browne Trust Fund. Modern horror writer Stephen King and his wife Tabitha contributed to the project as well, along with local businesses and private citizens/fans of the macabre.

The statue will find a home near Boston Common at the intersection of Boylston Street and Charles Street South – sometimes called “Poe Square.” The writer was born in Boston in 1809, not far from the sculpture’s proposed location. A plaque marking Poe’s birthplace (somewhat inaccurately) can be found in Boston’s Theater District – directly adjacent to burrito restaurant Boloco.